NEWS ROUNDUP: TOP PRODUCER OF BLACK GRADUATES / NASCAR UPDATE / REACTIONS TO RUSSERT’S PASSING
Monday, June 16, 2008
Florida A&M University was ranked the top producer of black bachelor degree holders in a recent report by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine.
The report ranked the university by the number of graduates during the school year. As the largest historically black university, FAMU had 1,256 graduates in the 2006-2007 year.
FAMU President James Ammons said the recognition “validates the valued role FAMU plays in American and global higher education. This announcement … speaks volumes concerning FAMU’s unique contributions to the nation and the international community at large.”
NASCAR UPDATE
Two NASCAR officials, accused in a lawsuit of exposing themselves to a former co-worker, have been suspended.
Mauricia Grant filed a $225 million lawsuit last week alleging racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
A source close to the investigation, who requested anonymity, revealed that Tim Knox and Bud Moore have been placed on indefinite administrative paid leave, although NASCAR has refused to reveal the identities. In fact, NASCAR chairman Brian France cautioned against assuming the officials are being punished for allegations made in the lawsuit.
“Obviously we found some violations in our policy, but I would not jump to conclusions to assume that all of the allegations that were made are accurate,” France said at Michigan International Speedway, site of Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series race. “Even if we take action on any official in this investigation — we might discover something entirely different that has been going on that has nothing to do with the claim, this lawsuit, but still is in violation of our policy. That would get you in trouble with us.”
France also added that Grant never made a formal complaint and that he was disappointed Grant never told anyone about the allegations.
“We would have investigated this two years ago if she had said anything,” he said. “But it just defies the imagination that she would have sat in multiple training sessions, in diversity training, would have gone through performance reviews … It just defies logic that she had all these opportunities and never made a formal complaint.”
Grant’s lawsuit contends that Knox exposed himself in the hospitality suite of their hotel in April 2007 at an officials gathering. Moore is accused of coming out of his hotel room in October 2006 clad only in a towel. He asked Grant if she wanted to see what was under the towel, opened it and then ducked behind a trash can. Grant also claims Moore asked how it felt to be black. When she replied that it was “a privilege,” Moore asked, “How can she be proud of being black?”
France said the investigation has shown that Grant never had anything negative to say about her job: “She chose to make this about money and about a lawsuit, and we’ll deal with that.”
According to an article on the Nascar website:
No matter that individual teams hire those drivers. No matter that there are several minority team executives, crew members or Sprint Cup officials working today. No matter that the garage has far more faces of color in it than it did just a decade ago. People with no connection to or no interest in this sport are going to read about [the lawsuit] and think — well, that’s NASCAR for you. Which is sad.
REACTIONS TO RUSSERT’S PASSING
The sudden passing of Tim Russert has everyone talking. The “Meet the Press” host died Friday afternoon while recording voiceovers for Sunday’s show. The show began Sunday morning with dimmed lights and no one sitting in the moderator’s chair.
The following are some of the statements from friends of Tim Russert:
Barack Obama
“I’ve known Tim Russert since I first spoke at the convention in 2004. He’s somebody who over time I came to consider, not only a journalist but a friend.
There wasn’t a better interviewer in TV, not a more thoughtful analyst of our politics and he was also one of the finest men I knew. Somebody who cared about America, cared about the issues, cared about family. I am grief-stricken with the loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And I hope that even though Tim is irreplaceable, that the standard that he set in his professional life and his family life are standards that we all carry with us in our own lives.”
Al Sharpton
“I was shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Tim Russert and the country has lost one of the best and fairest journalists to ever sit in a TV studio. I saw him recently and he told me fondly that people still approached him and called him ‘Brother Russert’ which was a title I came up with on an appearance of ‘Meet the Press’ several years ago. I have done his show several times and he was tough but fair and was one of the few journalists that one actually prepared to face because you knew he was the best prepared talk show host of his time. All the while he never stopped being a gentleman. He will be missed and he will always be respected.”
Jesse Jackson
“He took ‘Meet the Press’ to another level. Whenever you were the interviewee and he was the interviewer, you always had to have your seat belt on because he was always prepared. The irony is, he wrote that book about his father [2004's "Big Russ & Me"]. And now it’s Father’s Day, so Tim becomes kind of a Father’s Day gift to heaven.”
Tavis Smiley
“Tim Russert was an authentic news journalist. His goal was always to seek the truth and then tell the story. When it comes to covering politics, Tim Russert was the oracle. I was honored to interview him and be interviewed by him, but I’ll never forget the fun we had doing “Celebrity Jeopardy.” He will be sorely missed.”
Bryant Gumbel
“He truly was not just a giant in our industry. He was a wonderful, wonderful person, a fabulous friend, an incredible journalist, great father, big baseball fan. I just, I still can’t believe Tim’s gone. I really can’t.”
( SOURCES: CL Reader Kia, Sports Illustrated, Nascar, Tallahassee Democrat, EURWEB )
( PHOTOS: Getty, Edmunds )
56 Comments
1.
Da Diva
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
More of our people need to realize that education is the avenue to our goals! Go FAMU!
2.
TMI4me
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I’m so happy for FAMU, cause with all the past bad press this can ensure that FAMU always strike on.
The reaction to Tim Russert’s passing was so over whelm I’m sadden and give my condolences to his wife & son OMG I can’t image what they are feeling especially since his son just graduated from college. We never know our time.
3.
HOLLYWOOD
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
WE ARE ON TOP OF OUR GAME ON THE HIGHEST OF SEVEN HILLS.
IF U DON’T KNOW ABOUT FAMU, U NEED TO GET UP ON IT.
4.
NiaNia
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I loved Tim Russert. He was a greart journalist and he will DEFINITELY be missed. R.I.P.
5.
imjust2crunk
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Congrats to FAMU…but I’m a Wildcat, so shout out to Bethune-Cookman University…but nevertheless congrats FAMU…
6.
Original Truth (I don't care if ya get mad)
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
The loss of Tim Russert is such a suprise. He will be missed on Meet The Press. He was an excellent journalist and news host. You can tell he truly did his research and homework when he was interviewing because he asked the tough questions!!
Co
7.
Chezney
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Alright FAMU!
That’s my alma mater c/o 2006!
8.
Miss Tea
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I have always loved to watch Tim Russert and he kept me abreast to what the canidates stood for and their issues without trying to confuse his audience with political jargon. I loved watching him on Meet the Press and the Today show. As we are watching history take place right in front of us not only with the election but with FAMU and the population of more balcks graduating college it was very refreshing to see a journalists who cared about the people he was reporting to and not just getting a story.
TTim Russert will be missed RIP!!!!!!
9.
Dame
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
R.I.P. Mr. Russert
10.
STLCHICK
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Congrats to FAMU!!! My friend Court goes there and she was just telling me how frustrated she was w/ media outlets because they never discuss the positive things happening @ her school. Well here u go Court! Congrats again!
11.
ThatGirlLinda
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Go FAMU.
Tim’s son Luke is a soldier he gave an outstanding intelligent interview on the Today Show. Out of the programming on Sunday’s Meet The Press was my favorite because it didn’t seem so fake and one way. It was a learning experience for me. After, watching the Dateline special on Friday it seems like Tim never forgot his roots and he didn’t let his celebrity get the best of him.
12.
Miks
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
YAY!!!! FAMU all day. I graduated 2006 and I am proud of my alma mater. Don’t underestimate us!
13.
Stomp Like an Elephant
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I am so proud to be a RATTLER!!!!!!!
14.
London girl!
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I’m so glad to be a rattler! Class of `07! Grad School class of `09!
15.
palmbeachfinest
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
FAMU! FAMU! FAM GOT DAMN U!!! ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, ALLLLRIGHT!
I LOVE ATTENDING THE #1 HBCU IN THE NATION!!! The media always trying to put us down but the numbers don’t lie!
RATTLER C/O 2009!!!
16.
PheonixSky
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
RIP to Tim Russet
Yeah FAMU, c/0 2007 and Grad School c/0 2009. I am glad to be a rattler and I am glad that we are finally receiving good press. So many great things happen at FAMU and usually only the bad are highlighted. But not matter what we will always “STRIKE, STRIKE and STRIKE again “.
17.
miss barbados
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
ALL MY RATTLERS STAND -UP ! SHOUT OUT TO SBI ….. Hisssssssss
c/o ‘03 !
18.
DJDJ
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
One time to my alma mater!!! FAMU
Spring 2005 Graduate!!
19.
Mrs. Not Me
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Another Rattler is in the house! Psssssss!
20.
dat b!tch
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
ssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!
STRIKE, STRIKE and STRIKE!!!!
21.
Los
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
FAMU! FAMU! FAM GOT DAMN U! Alright, Alright, Alright! Ain’t nothing else like an HBCU. Ain’t nothing else like FAM!
22.
BEREOLAESQUE
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Shout out to FAMU for keepin’ it BEREOLAESQUE!
R.I.P. brother Russert
23.
Vee1
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Tim Russert was one of the best politial analyst out there. He never let anything get under his skin and he always gave an impartial opinion, never biased. I will miss hearing his commentary. Does anyone know what his political affiliation is? I mean he never let on.
RIP Tim Russert
24.
keystar.
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
YES!!!! FAMU, I’m all about those Rattlers!
Tim Russert was a great TV journalist, he was always prepared and never let his guard down. When it was debate time, I would see if Tim was on and that would decide if I’d watch or not. He made politics interesting for me, I’m gonna miss that cool dude.
Jesse Jackson’s words were beautiful!
25.
RATTLER GIRL
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Congrats to my Beloved FAMU!!!
*Spring 2008 Graduate*
Tim Russert will truly be missed, there was no other Journalist like him……..
26.
Staci
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
FAMU FAMU FAM Got damn U! Alright Alright Alright! I love my alma matter and eventhough they are having a tough time I know they will pull through this.
RIP Tim.
27.
Starlight
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
thaThat’s what I’m talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alright FAMU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so proud to be a Rattler!!! Class of 2004!!!
28.
MsKlassy
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Wow!!! Go FAMU…I’m so proud of my school….
29.
AlexIS
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Alright FAMU!!! So glad I’ve chosen such a GREAT school to further my education!!
30.
J. Dakar
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
#23: Tim worked on two successful Democratic campaigns: Daniel Moynihan’s senatorial campaign in 1976 and Mario Cuomo’s gubernatorial campaign in 1982. He worked as Moynihan’s chief of staff from ‘77 to ‘82 and as counselor in the governor’s office from ‘83 to ‘84 before joining NBC’s Washington Bureau that same year.
31.
YES!
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
YOU KNOW YOU’RE FROM FAMU IF:
-YOU’VE THREATENED/CUSSED OUT FINANCIAL AID WORKERS ABOUT YOUR CHECK NOT ARRIVING!
-YOU HAVE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER IN THE ORANGE ROOM.
-YOU GET JAZZY TO WALK THE SET ON FRIDAYS BEFORE GOING TO CLASS! -YOU GET EXTRA JAZZY TO CATCH THE BUS ON “THE SET” THAT HAS TO TAKE YOU TO THE STATION FIRST TO TRANSFER BUSES BEFORE HEADING TO THE MALL.
-YOU GET AT LEAST TWO PARKING TICKETS A WEEK!
-THAT CRACKISH LADY EVER CAME UP TO YOU AT THE STATION ASKING FOR CHANGE!
-YOU GO TO BW3′S NOT FOR WINGS, BUT TO HANG OUT!
-YOU PULL UP TO GUTHERIES ASKING FOR “A GUT BOX, EXTRA FRIES, AND A FRUIT PUNCH!
-YOU’RE SITTING IN COLEMAN LIBRARY AT NIGHT AND SUDDENLY SECURITY FLIPS THE ON/OFF LIGHT SWITCH YELLING “TIME TO GO!”
-YOU EVER HAD TO PARK YOUR CAR AT THE LOT BY THE TRACK/GYM ONLY TO HAVE TO WALK UP THOSE DAMN STEPS THAT HAVE YOU BREATHING HARDER THAN A MUTHA WHEN YOU REACH THE TOP!
-YOU MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE SAUSAGE STAND ON HOME GAME FRIDAYS/SATURDAYS.
-YOU MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS TO BE AT HOMECOMING FOR THE GAME (THE 100), THE LET OUT, AND THE MOON!
P.S. I BLEED ORANGE AND GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FAMU ON DECK—- ALL OTHERS FALL BACK AND KICK ROCKS!!!!!!!!!
C/O 06′ REPRESENT!!
32.
boombox
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
you know, i never watched tim russert, but they were always doing skits of him on SNL and thats how i recognized him. sudden death is even worse.
33.
A2dajo
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
FAMU rocks!!!! I am not a graduate of FAM
but 90% of my friends are and in my opinion FAM does an amazing job at spitting out some of the nations best African American professionals!!!!
http://www.lovelifedrama.com - A FREE online Urban Fiction novel
34.
Detroit All Day!
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I just graduated from Michigan State University’s James Madison College of which there were 9 Black graduates in a class of almost 300…CLEARLY the need still remains for Black institutions of higher education and I’m so happy that FAMU is continuing to carry the torch so well!
35.
HRT88
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
hell i coulda told you guys that. FAMU so damn black white folk get MINORITY scholarships there all the time. Go fam!!
36.
TRUE RATTLER
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I have and will always be proud of my institution! Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University continues to strike even in the midst of our troubles. GO RATTLERS!!! R.I.P. Tim Russert-MSNBC will never be the same.
37.
CARAMELCUTIE829
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
Shout out 2 my fellow RATTLERS!!!! & a special shout out to the “J”- school!
4 those that dont know the best Journalism school in the nation!!!! & what?? Even Rick Ross givin’ us a shout out. “HERE I AM” !!!! How about that RATTLER PRIDE.
oh yeah shout out to SOUL TRAIN with his stories LOL If u ever attended FAMU then you know who is…
38.
MissEnvied
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
I’m sooo glaaaaddd I’m from FAMU!!!!!
Coming on CL for my daily dose and seeing my University featured makes me extremely proud! Dr. Ammons was the right change for the Rattler Nation~ Thanks for posting this J.Dakar!
39.
MissEnvied
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
*Looks Above* @ 2nd glance
Who knew there were so many Rattlers on CL lol? We’re deep as always!
40.
Jewel01
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS to all my Rattlers!!!! I bleed Orange and Green!!!!!
c/o 04
41.
Shay43
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
1,256 is great but i want to see more!!! We need to let our people know that education brings so much advantages in life for us. So I will LOVE to see this number increase!!
42.
FRESHOPOLY.com
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
where does howard rank?
43.
Gyrl_6
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Ok here’s the clean version…
FAM-U FAM-U FAM I love you, alright alright alright! (Lol @ #15)
#31 - The orange room is closed - its been a minute now…
Anyway, I am so glad to be a Rattler, and this is not the first time that we have been recognized for this achievement, and it will not be the last. I bleed Orange & Green!
We will strike, strike, and strike again!
44.
Ms. Savory
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
FAMUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU MADE CL???? WHATTTTTT????? THATS WUSSUP!!!! I LOVE FAMU!!! SHOUT OUT TO J-SCHOOL & SBI!!! FAMU truly is a wonderful school and I’m sooo proud to be a student at the #1HBCU in the NATION!!!! Thanks for shoutin us out CL!! CLASS OF 2009 STAND UP!!!! And LMAO @ that list…OMG..its So true! lol
PS…RIP TIM RUSSERT….I knowwww J-School Professors are going to talk about that when school starts in the fall. ;/
45.
Jazzy M.D.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I am very proud to say that I am one of those 1,256 graduates c/o 2007 FAMU! (*Shout out to biology and chemistry dept) I came from across the country just to bleed that Orange and Green, a Rattler all day every day. Im SOOOO Glad Im From FAMU!!! Its inspiring and essential to note the significant impacts that our HBCU’s have on our society as well as the world. Thanks J. Dakar for highlighting the major moves that black institutions and black people in general are making.
Tim Russert was a major voice in news and politics. He emphasized accurate and fair journalism. He spoke up and spoke out about issues that many news stations avoided or misreported. His passing is a great loss.
46.
Dashing Diva
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
This is the best thing I’ve read on CL all year.I don’t feel so bad for getting in my morning gossip.
Now all we have to do is get SBI back on track with some more forums and internships. . . . . reach back!
;0)
47.
WeMajor
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
I Love FAMU! Couldn’t have chosen a better school.
Class of 2009, PharmD. candidate
48.
Dothepocketknife
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
FAMU! FAMU, I LOVE THEE WE’LL FIGHT AND WIN WHATEVER THE BATTLE BE! THE ORANGE AND THE GREEN OUTR SONS SHALL EVER DEFEND AND LOYAL TO THY VOICE OF LOVE ATTEND!
FAMU! FAMUUUUUUU! FAMU, I LOOOOVE THEE!
49.
Dothepocketknife
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
ONE TIME FOR THAT ESSENTIAL THEATRE AT FAMU!!!!
FAMOUS ACTOR ALUMNI INCLUDE: T’KEYAH CRYSTAL KEYMAH AND ANIKA NONI ROSE, AND GIVE ME A COUPLE OF YEARS TO MAKE THE LIST!
50.
Rattler4Life
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
Thanks CL for putting FAMU out there. You always hear about something negative going on about black folks period, but we’re doing big things and I love to see education as a priority. Shout to c/o 2002
RIP Tim Russert….I’ll miss him, Meet the Press was one of the few political shows that I didnt mind watching.
51.
KIKI305
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
CONGRATS TO FAMU. THANKS TO ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES THAT WORK HARD AND TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUR UNIVERSITY. WE HAVE MADE IMPROVEMENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE MANY MANY MORE IN FUTURE. WE ARE GOING TO STRIKE STRIKE AND STRIKE AGAIN. GO FAMU!!!
C/0 2003
52.
EBZ01
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 /
@ Florida a&m…..degress in what though? That’s awesome though….good news.
@ nascar….it’s going down….they won’t pay that much but that woman will get paid…not a good light on nascar right now.
I LOVED meet the press
53.
PeAchzAloWiSheS
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 /
Yes yes. I too bleed ORANGE & GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks CL for this post. When I saw FAMU’s Seal I was sooo happy and had a serious case of nostalgia. SJGC STAND RIGHT ON UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FAMU Keep on strikin’ and makin’ history. I love black people. Don’t you?
54.
MsMurray
Thursday, June 19, 2008 /
I’M SOOOOO PROUD TO BE A RATTLER!! I LOVE MY SCHOOL!! C/O 2009 HERE WE COME….OH AND SHOUT OUT TO FACES MODELING TROUPE!!!!
55.
Tierra
Thursday, June 19, 2008 /
FAMU!! That’s my school!!! Fall 2006 Graduate! I’m so proud of them!
56.
Patience
Saturday, June 28, 2008 /
Wow. Kudos to Ms. Grant for having the courage to finally speak up. And to the NASCAR executive/spokesperson who thinks it is inconceivable she didn’t speak up in 2 years, you are just out of touch. There is tremendous pressure to keep quiet. Perceived or real. She is a woman and is black in an environment that is undoubtedly filled with comments and actions fueled by testosterone and power of the majority. Who was she going to bare her soul to without fear of reprisals? Sometimes you can raise the flag without fear of retaliation and sometimes you can’t. And I have my own experiences on which I am basing my comments. If true, Ms. Grant, I pray you will prevail.